Jamaican PM Andrew Holness announces new National Identification System
Prime Minister Andrew Michael Holness announced to a packed room of financial sector leaders at the Pegasus Hotel, Monday, October 10, 2016, that a National Identification System (NIDS) will soon be implemented.
Holness declared that this long promised identification system would be implemented two years before the projected date of 2020 … “A cradle to grave ” identification system the PM declared to thunderous applause. This new National Identification System is coming January 2018. The long tooted National Identification System (NIDS). has been promoted by Vernon Derby, a media personality on local radio, in Jamaica
The Prime Minister was speaking at the 5th Annual staging of an awareness session being held in Kingston, Jamaica W.I. entitled “Anti- Money Laundering/Counter-Financing Of Terrorism Conference under the theme “Understanding our Obligations … Safeguarding our Future.” being held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, October 10/11, 2016.
Biometrics will be a part of this proposed identification system.
asserted the P.M.
Money-Laundering
Turning to the money laundering issue, the PM warned that: “There are those who try to use our financial network for criminal reasons. White collar crimes are more difficult to prosecute. Money-laundering saps up about 2.5 percent of global economy.”
The PM set two main goals;
- Reduce hassle on low risk transactions for example, insurance premium payments
- Strengthen the seizure of assets acquired from ill gotten funds.
In concluding the PM stressed that: We have to collectively maintain our focus. Unified approach is the key to safeguard our future & ultimately prosperity.
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie was there and filed this report for Vision Newspaper Canada.
Alwin Marshall-Squire is the Editor-in-Chief of S-Q Publications Inc., overseeing editorial strategy for GTA Weekly, GTA Today, and Vision Newspaper. He leads the publications’ mission to deliver bold, original journalism focused on the people and communities of the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, and the global Caribbean diaspora.
Also writes for GTA Weekly and GTA Today.
